Just for Jodi

I tried to get a picture of just me and my cousin, Lucy the llama, but wouldn't you know it...that "has to be included in everything" Jodi decided to sneak in for the photo.

(More pictures from Nadia's first visit to the State Fair coming in another post--Blogger was running EXTREMELY slowly today in uploading photos so I finally gave up!)

Oh, and by the way, if you don't "get" this post, you need to go WAY back on Jodi's blog to where it all began (sort of):  http://findinghunter.blogspot.com/2010/06/my-friend-kristin-is-traveling-tomorrow.html

A Very Special Day!

This past Sunday was a day filled with tradition, family, spiritual significance, and overwhelming joy.

My heart filled to overflowing in seeing my Josi perform with the "Extreme Worship" kids choir at our church.  Josi has always loved music but because of the bright lights and loud volume in "big" church, she's never wanted to participate before.  We've come a long way in many areas but this one was HUGE because I know her presence up on stage was a blessing to so many people.

As is typical of Josi, she's looking around making sure that we're all in our seats and ready to go.

The choir only had two practices and yet Josi knew ALL of the words and ALL of the hand motions that went along with them.  I could hardly join in as I was overcome with such emotion in seeing my big girl using one of the many gifts God has given her, for His Glory!

She is completely in her element when there is music combined with hand motions.  I think she learned all the hand motions to "The Wheels on the Bus" before she was out of her crib. :)

My sister Stephanie, who photographed Josi and the upcoming dedication service, caught me sharing a tender moment with Nadia as her big sister blessed the socks off of me up front.

I believe there is not much more "holier" in God's eyes than to see a child's hands raised in an act of pure praise and worship.  Be still my Mother's heart and know that He is indeed God.

Proud Grandparents look on:

My Dad,  Mom, and nephew Adam

Jim's Mom is also enjoying seeing her granddaughter on stage.

Then it was time to dedicate our newest child...Nadia Irina Ferguson.

We took our place on stage with 6 other families and the congregation repeated their vows to pray for us and for Nadia.

We also stated our vows to raise Nadia in a Christian home where we will teach her about her Heavenly Father and guide her according to biblical principles.

Our children's pastor prayed for each family to have the strength to fulfill their vows.

It was a very quick moment but filled with much significance for Jim and I as we take our jobs as parents very seriously.  We fall short of parenting in patience in grace many times, so I'm eternally thankful that my Heavenly Father extends His patience and grace to us so we can start again.

 Nadia was wearing a beautiful hand-smocked dress made by none other than my Mom--or Nonna as all the grandkids know her.  It was not lost on me that just 4 short months ago Nadia had one outfit hanging in her locker at the orphanage that wasn't even "picked out" for just her, let alone lovingly hand-made by a special person in her life.

When my niece saw this photo she remarked that it looks like Nadia is smiling up at heaven.  I believe God is smiling right back down at her based on that radiant look on her face. 

A tradition in our family is for the great grand-kids to wear a hand-knit gown made by my Nana D who is also smiling down on Nadia from heaven.  I miss my Nana and wish she could be here along with my Nana Paul to see this newest addition to our family.

Nana D also made the blanket Nadia's standing on as well as booties and a hat (there was no way those were staying on little Miss Grabby-hands so I didn't even try).

Transitioning to life with 4 kids, homeschooling, and having 2 with special needs has not been easy and I intend to write an honest post about that once I can gather all of my thoughts...but when I reflect on this past Sunday and ALL of the many blessings God has given me, I can't help but smile...

Who couldn't smile when given the privilege of seeing this face every morning!

A Time To Weep

I'm copying the post of a bloggy friend because she put into words so eloquently the sadness I'm feeling right now over the death of a little girl with Down syndrome that we got to meet at Nadia's orphanage.  Please visit this link and pray about your part in making sure that not one. single. more. orphan has to die without ever knowing the love of a family.  Today is truly a time to weep:

http://embracinglifesjourneys.blogspot.com/2010/10/time-to-weep.html

Buddy Walk

Today was our TDSN (Triangle Down Syndrome Network) Buddy Walk.  October is Down syndrome awareness month and so the Buddy Walk is an annual event to promote awareness and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.  It was also a wonderful venue to promote Reece's Rainbow since it's the only international Down syndrome adoption ministry in the country!

We had the special privilege of having the founder and director of Reece's Rainbow, Andrea Roberts, attend our BW.  I didn't realize until I read this blog post :http://covenantbuilders.blogspot.com/2010/10/andrea-roberts.html  that Andrea has met so few of the children she has so tirelessly WORKED and ADVOCATED for to place in families!  So, one of the benefits of Andrea and her son Reece making these "guest appearances" is that they get to meet these sweet treasures.

We had Nadia dedicated in church today so Andrea got to come to our church and then to our house afterwards for a quick brunch before heading out to the BW. 

(This is a little blurry because both Nadia and Andrea seem to be moving all the time! ha ha)

2 other families who have adopted recently through Reece's Rainbow also came to help work the RR booth by handing out pamphlets and goodies that Andrea ordered for us.  How fun it was to see these 3 little ones interacting with their families knowing that 6 short months ago, all 3 were languishing in orphanages.  If it weren't for the efforts of Andrea and her team of volunteers, these little ones may never have known the love and acceptance of a family.  I shudder to think about that.

 From left to right--Andrea, Nadia, Me, Jenn Wojcik holding Milana ("Open Your Heart" blog), and Nikki Esquivel holding Ezequiel ("WANTED" blog).

Andrea asking Reece what he wants for lunch while the little girls wait to put in their order as well. :)

(Either that or she's consoling Reece over the Alabama loss last night. ouch!)

Two of my wonderful helpers!  (I don't have a picture of my husband but I could never have pulled off this busy weekend without him!)  We call my niece Jessica and my son Allen twins.  Can you see why?

Thanks also to Leslie and Kristin who also helped at our table today!

Someone is tired and wondering where her food is.  (Either that or she's consoling herself over the Penn State loss--it's ok, honey, every football program has a "rebuilding" year...this is ours!)

My sisters Nicole and Stephanie were SUCH a HUGE help to me today...lugging stuff from the cars to the table, chasing kids around, bringing sno-cones and cold water to me, etc.  My Mom (who is sporting the stylish visor) kept an eye on the little ones--all things that needed to be done so I could give my attention to the people coming to get information about RR--thanks again to my terrific family!)

Time to say good-bye to Andrea and Reece.  They still had a 5hr. drive back to Maryland. 

Please remember to keep Andrea and her family and Reece's Rainbow in your prayers.  God is using Andrea and her staff of volunteers in a POWERFUL way to stir the hearts of people to be a part of God's plan in ministering to orphans. There are many ways you can support Reece's Rainbow.  Please click on this link to see what part you may have in helping a child find his/her way into a family!
http://www.reecesrainbow.com/newsite/index.php

Who Said...

...that if you don't brush your teeth for 2 1/2yrs. that you'll get a mouthful of cavities? 

As far as we know, Nadia never had her teeth brushed while in the orphanage and when we first met her I noticed quite a few dark spots on a few of her teeth.  I was quite sure that they were cavities but with all of our other appointments and therapies, the dentist appointment didn't happen until just the other day.

"You woke me up early and got me all dressed up for the dentist???"

I purposely planned the girls' dental appointments for the same time because going to the dentist has always been a challenge for Josi.  I'm talking the 'hold-her-down, biting, spitting" kind of challenge.  I always make sure to plan in a nap for Mom on dentist visit days. 

She had finally gotten into a pretty good groove over the last year to the point where she didn't shout "No!" when they called her name in the waiting room.   But then they decided to put sealants on her teeth.  The first appointment went just fine because Josi didn't know what to expect.  However, they decided to seal her teeth over 2 visits and so of course, when we went in the 2nd time we were back to square one and Momma REALLY needed a nap after that appointment.

However, with much prayer and a maturing Josi, her most recent dental visit was ok. I figured it wouldn't hurt, though, to play the "you're the big sister so you have to set a good example and show Nadia how 'easy' it is to go to the dentist" card. 

Here they are ready to walk out the door. 

I'm happy to say that it looks like I'll have one daughter who won't have to be strapped to a papoose board (I switched dentists after that trick), nor will the dentist have to wear complete protective hand and face gear to keep from being bit or spat upon...hopefully!

She did great!

And of course she was a total hit with her hygienist as well as all of the other gals who got to hold her. 

Meanwhile, in the other room, Josi is being the perfect role model to her little sister...cool shades and all!

And, if you haven't guessed from my opening line, it turns out that those spots on Nadia's teeth are some type of stain and NOT cavities!  Makes me wonder why we make such a fuss over brushing and flossing!

The Answer is Yes!

First of all let me say that your comments about Nadia's Funny Photo were witty, creative, and totally cracked me up!  I especially liked the "Off with her head!" and the "Ukrainian Soup" comment but they all made me laugh out loud!  I needed that.

I wrote a post back in March entitled "Will She Like Hockey?"  You can read it here--http://seeingtheupsideofdown.blogspot.com/2010/03/will-she-like-hockey.html

Our family has a mini-pack of season tickets for the Carolina Hurricanes and it's something we ALL enjoy and look forward to.  So, we were really hoping that the newest Ferguson would also get excited about all things hockey. 

Last Friday was our test run as the Hurricanes had an afternoon exhibition game before heading off to Russia and Finland for more pre-season games and the official beginning of their season.

I totally forgot about the cute Hurricanes' cheerleader outfit my sister gave me and so I put Michael's outgrown jersey on her.  Is she cute or what???

Ready for some hockey...actually at this point we were all ready for lunch! Who can't get excited over hot dogs, nachos, and barbecue???

So far so good.  Nadia is digging this cool folding seat. 

She's kind of gotten herself folded in half, tucked in, and ready for a nap at this point. 

But then the the players take the ice and the excitement mounts.  Music starts playing and the cheering begins.  

Nadia was taken a bit by surprise when the initial "stadium shout" went up at the beginning of the game.  The tears came and we looked at each other with that "Oh, great...now what?" look. 

"Make it all go away Daddy!"

(Just for the record...  Josi reacted the same exact way at her first game and it took her an entire season to really acclimate to the noise.  We made the mistake of Josi's first game being a Stanley Cup Playoff game against one of our arch-enemies--the Buffalo Sabres--man was it L-O-U-D the entire game!!!)

Daddy ended up taking her out to the concourse for a little bit and by the time she got back she was happy and ready to hang out with Mom and cheer for the 'Canes.

Nadia loves playing with Josi and so she spent quite a bit of time on her lap during the game.  (Nadia has started pulling hair so Josi's not too excited about holding her little sister these days.)

The boys are glad that the Hurricanes are winning at this point.  The Thrashers ended up tying things up in the last few minutes but we scored in overtime to win the game!

Our four Caniacs!

"Mommy, if we're going to keep doing this could you please get me an outfit that fits properly?"

The only people missing from this first 'Canes outing were my sister and her kids--the true Caniacs who started it all! 

So, does Miss Nadia like hockey?  I would say the answer is definitely yes!

Fun Foto Friday!

My friend Lisa dared me to put the above picture of Nadia as my blog header.  I've never been one to shy away from a dare so there you have it.  However, to make it a Fun Foto Friday (I just made that up--cute huh?)...you need to give that photo a caption.  Let's see what you creative folks out there can come up with.  My first caption that came to mind was...,"Take me back to Ukraine!" :)

Have fun and enjoy your Friday!!!